The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1887-12-23
The Men--The Issue.

Il is conceded on all sides that Grover
Cleveland and James G.. Blaine will be
their respective party leaders in the con-
test OF next year. and each has selected
his line of battle. The men and the
issue are practically accepted.
Mr.. Cleveland would be more than
human if, after serving a term in the
Presidency, he did not accept a prof.
fered nomination for reelection. and
Mr.. Blaine wou!1 be more than human
il be did not Gccept proffered renOmi-
nation that gave a chance 10 retrieve
his defeat of 1884. The Republic has
never yet produced a man who preferred
20 retire from the W mite House at the
end OF one term, or whose appetite for
Presidential honors was not whettled
by defeat. Greater men than either
Cleveland or Blaine have fretted their
lives away over the disappointments of
Presidential ambition.
The men are, therefore, decided upon
for 1883, aud both have presented their
respective causes TO the people. and
thereby framed the issue on which the
battle is TO be fought between the po-
litical gladiators of 1854. When Cleve-
land presented his platform of revenue
red dsctiOn TO Congress and the country.
Mr.. Blaine promptly responded from
beyond the seas, defining the issue as
he interpreted iJ and rtual!y challsng-
ing Cleveland to the combat. Whether
he would have said just what he did
say, had he been in Washington or in
| Maine during the last six months may
be doubted but be has huug his glove
into the ring and he is there to stay
Could Mr.. Blaine persuade the
country to accept his Interpretation of
Q NJ a. "A -
he would have an easy victory but he
either had not read the message or
/ chose not to understand its plain teach
| ing when he assumed that be was ac-
cepting battle against free trade.
| There is lot an important paragraph
of the Presidents message that does
/ no. emphasize the necessity of reducing
| tariff duties in harmony with tie posi-
/ tive protection of American labor. and
how can that be har.nonized with free
| trade wiz Mr.. Blaine propose to
carry the projection principle beyond
| me protection of labor ? If so, be
| pluDges headlong into monopoly jus.
when The country is exceptionally SEN
4 sitive about the growth and oppression
| of monopoly ; It not, wherein will Mr..
| Blaine and Mr.. Cleveland differ ?
/ Both agree to reduce revenues both
agree 10 protect labor, and how is
/ the Issue to serve Mr.. Blaine unless he
/ demands the continuance CT measure
| OF so called protection that grievousIy
! Expresses labor?
Mr. Blaine was the forerunner of Mr..
( Cleveland in demanding that coal, salt
/ and other raw materials should be pnt
! on the free list, and will be now oppose
/ the enlargement o: the free list in def
ance of his own teaching ? He has
also preceded Mr.. Cleveland in de-
manding reduced duties on the necessI-
| Ties of life, and will he now arraiga Mr.
| CleAeland for teaching the same theory
| to the country ? If he had a free trade
! issue to combat, he could ne consistent
with himself in antaeOnizing the Presi-
dent but as the message is as distinct
in its anti-fIee trade ideas as any utter
ance that ever came from Mr.. Blaine.
he will be in danger of both flank aud
rear attacks when he moves upon Mr..
I Cieveland's works.
The particular phase of the revenue
issue 10 be considered by the peOple.
Will largely depend upon ths attitude
7 and actions OF both parties in the pres
ent Congress, and either party may
easily blunder itself 10 death. The
Democrats, being the majority. are
''iN y ~ P'of NI7 piCl tSl urlN y
ldiotic role than is the Republican min
ority, but there is a fair chance for
either to defeat itself. II Congress shall
even M on both sides in wisdom or
! folly, Cleveland ana Blaine will have a
| fair hight on the issue that they have
( Jointly pressed upon the country, with
/ hopeful leaders and followers on both
/ sides and the odds apparently in favor
/ OF Cleyc!and'S hitherto und!mmed star
/ of fOrtune.-Philst Times.